10 Best Places to Relax in the USVI

Lots of people who visit the US Virgin Islands (USVI) end up rushing throughout their trip. But vacations are ideally a time to unwind and relax, aren’t they? So, if you're looking for a place that’s all about kicking back, St. John has you covered. The island has some of the best places to relax in the USVI!

USVI Relaxing Places Overview

The US Virgin Islands are a paradise for those seeking relaxation and leisure. St. John, especially, offers a unique tranquility that makes it an ideal destination for unwinding. Whether you're looking to achieve deep relaxation at the highly acclaimed VI Body Spa, enjoy gentle boat rides with Stormy Pirates, or engage in the tranquil practice of SUP Yoga on a stand-up paddleboard, St. John presents a variety of peaceful experiences.

10 of the Best Relaxing Areas in the USVI

By this point, we bet you can’t wait to reach some of the most relaxing places in St. John. Therefore, we’ve gathered a list of the top 10 relaxing things to do the next time you find yourself in the U.S. Virgin Islands! 

1. Get a Massage at VI Body Spa 

When it comes to taking a load off, there’s no better place than going to a spa. St. John has a few different spas you can visit, including VI Body Spa, which is currently the top-listed spa location on Tripadvisor. This eco-lux spa offers all the best services, such as therapeutic treatments, massage, pedicures, and manicures. The average person spends two to three hours here being pampered. 

Reviews of the VI Body Spa have all been positive, and they include terms such as “dream experience,” “most relaxing massage ever,” and “best experience on the island.” Suffice it to say if you want to kick back and have a truly relaxing time, book yourself some services at VI Body Spa! 

2. Take a Boat Ride with Stormy Pirates 

Taking a boat ride will put you in a relaxed mood, especially when you book a charter! But it gets even better when you consider that this particular boat charter is helmed by Stormy Pirates. With their tagline of “Explore the Virgins like a pirate,” you know you’re going to have a good time. They also have boat rides for every budget—whether you want to go out for a quick two-hour ride or want to stay out for up to nine hours, they’ve got you covered. 

What’s the best part of signing up for a charter boat trip? You don’t have to do anything on the boat but enjoy the water. That’s right; you can kick back and allow the ship’s captain to take care of everything! 

3. Practice SUP Yoga on a Stand-Up Paddleboard 

Yoga is always a nice way to move your body without a lot of stress, but doing so on a stand-up paddleboard in the water is even better! SUP Yoga stands for yoga + fitness + adventure, and that’s exactly what you’ll get. 

Sign up for a 75-minute class, and you’ll be treated to a 15-minute stand-up paddleboarding intro, followed by a 60-minute class that comes with everything you need, including a paddle, board, and ankle leash. By the time your class is over, you’ll have a new definition of relaxation. It might even become your favorite way to relax on all of St. John.  

4. Stay in for a Day at Marketplace Suites 

There are many USVI relaxing accommodations, but one of the best is Marketplace Suites in St. John’s Cruz Bay. You’ll have a boutique hotel experience as you unwind in your own private suite! Whether you want a suite for up to two people, a deluxe suite for up to four people, or a deluxe two-bedroom suite that can hold up to six people, Marketplace Suites can handle it. 

When you’re tired of being on the go, why not return to your suite? Each room has a fresh, modern, and stylish space that you’ll love! Additionally, Marketplace Suites features affordable suites, which means they won’t try to inflate the price. You can even live like the locals do by checking out the nearby Starfish Market and Papaya Café. 

5. Get Your Beach Bum on at Trunk Bay 

Welcome to the most photographed beach in all of St. John. When it comes to USVI relaxing beaches, going to Trunk Bay is a fantastic choice! In addition to the beach, you can also find nearby hot food options, a beach bar, ice cream, showers, and beach rentals. Plus, if you start to feel a bit adventurous, you can sign up to go snorkeling in the turquoise water. 

The only thing you need to be concerned about is whether or not there’s a cruise ship docked here. As long as there’s not, you can have an even better time as there won’t be a huge crowd. Trunk Bay is truly photo-worthy, so make sure you don’t forget to bring your camera! Also, take the time to put your toes in the white sand beach—it’s an experience you’ll never forget. 

6. Hit Lime Out to Relax with Delicious Tacos

Lime Out is one of the top USVI activities among locals and tourists alike. The popular floating bar and restaurant offers lily pad seating, which means you get to literally sit on the water as you eat your delicious tacos! Open Sunday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lime Out has a simple menu. There are eight taco options, along with several different craft cocktails. For example, you could order a shrimp taco and coco colada. Once your food arrives, you’ll be able to enjoy it while soaking your feet in the water. 

Lime Out has been feeding happy guests and locals since 2017. It’s become one of the quintessential experiences of St. John. Therefore, if you like tacos, it is absolutely a must-visit!

7. Coral Bay Provides a Relaxed Shopping Experience 

There are several places in St. John to go shopping, but none are quite as good as Coral Bay. All the shops are local only, so they offer items you simply can’t get back home! For instance, you can go to the Isola Shoppes in Cruz Bay. While you’re there, grab some food to nosh on after checking out the shopping opportunities at Jolly Dog and Zemi Island Design. 

Other places to check out include Skinny Legs Shop and the Coccoloba Shops. You won’t see a chain store anywhere, and you can take your time browsing all of your options! 

8. Take Your Time and Explore the Reef Bay Trail 

Feel like taking a nature walk? The Reef Bay Trail is a 4.4-mile, in-and-out trek through a dry forest and a moist forest. You can also see pre-Columbian petroglyphs and the remains of four different sugar mills. After you take in all the sights, end your adventure on a pristine beach! No wonder the Reef Bay Trail was named a Travelers’ Choice for 2023.

Previous visitors have called this trail “magical,” “outstanding,” and “incredible” on review sites such as TripAdvisor and Yelp. One person even went so far as to say that it was “worth the trip” to St. John. Please be aware that the last 30 minutes or so of the return hike require some effort. However, the rest of the trail will be easy.   

9. Go Bird Watching on the Francis Bay Trail 

Do you feel more like bird watching than walking? Francis Bay Trail is an easy 0.7-mile loop that will give you access to a diverse selection of birds. So be sure to bring your birding book, as you’re going to be able to cross several birds off your list! In fact, Francis Bay Trail is considered to be the most productive place on St. John to run into birds. 

You can expect to see birds such as flycatchers, hummingbirds, pigeons, doves, anis, thrashers, and cuckoos along the trail. There are also plenty of shorebirds, including moorhens, stilts, and ducks.   

10. Watch the Waves and Relax at the Peace Hill Windmill 

Finally, you can definitely relax once you reach the peak of Peace Hill Windmill. If you go during the week, you’ll most likely have Peace Hill all to yourself. It presents a fantastic view of the local area and the water. If you want to meditate with a group, though, be sure to plan your trip on a Sunday from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Book a Relaxing Suite 

We hope you enjoyed the unveiling of our top 10 USVI places to relax and find it helpful. Even if you choose to spend most of your time hustling and bustling, you can still enjoy a nice, relaxing stay at Marketplace Suites! After all, when you come to the end of each day, it’s important to have a nice place to rest your head. 

Marketplace Suites offers this, along with easy access to everywhere you want to go on St. John. If you decide you don’t want to stray far, you can take advantage of several local shops such as the Grapevine Salon, Sam & Jack’s Deli, and Kimberly Boulon Fine Art Gallery. 

Be sure you reserve your room or villa in advance, as we’re often full! Book your one or two-bedroom suite today, and then relax with the knowledge that you’re going to have a fantastic trip!